Dust Garden (1485 hits)
Category: NoneRating: 1.89 on 85 reviews (Rate this item) (V)
Submitted by mockidol (View user info) at 2006-05-26 22:25:51 EDT
I'm too old for this.
Slipping in the grass while kneeling, the dirt I'm turning is moist and black as it pushes its way under the thick yellowed fingernails of my hands. My plump, awkward fingers are thick skinned from a lifetime of hard labor, and the eighty year old joints in my hands grind with every jab of the spade into the clammy ground. A numbing burn radiates from the bones.
I'm too old for this.
It's approaching dusk and the air is heavy with the coming night's dew. Using the fleshy side of my arm, I brush the sweat from my forehead and examine the patch of freshly tilled earth before me. The small patch seems a formidable size for a backyard garden. Pressing one hand to the lawn, and turning the other around my back, I lift my self up. Standing there, rubbing my balled up fist into my aching back, I listen as footsteps approach.
From behind me, "Hey Rich," it's my neighbor Eddie, "you finally putting that garden together for Nance?"
Twisting my stiff back to face him, I groan and respond, "Yeah." My voice struggles to climb from my throat, "She bugged me about the stupid thing for years. I figured it was about time I actually did it for her."
Ed takes a step closer and pats me on the shoulder blade. The touch is surprising. I slink away until I catch myself and apologetically lean back. He exhales slowly and the wispy noise floats to my ear, "So, Rich, uh, what are you going to plant?"
"Honestly bud, I wasn't even sure. She always loved daises and lilies, but I'd probably end up killing the lilies. They're way too hard to grow, and I think it might up being some bad karma if they did fail. So I decided on daises and a few veggies."
He holds his breath for a second, and turns his eyes up into his head, pondering what to say next. "Umm, veggies huh. Any certain kinds? Or not, or..." he trails off, afraid to speak freely, afraid to push my buttons.
"None that are really that important. I picked up some seeds for cucumbers, carrots, stuff like that." I don't really want to talk, but I forgive him for continuing this conversation. He's just trying to be supportive.
A dusty groan escapes my throat as I get back down on my knees. The paper package of seeds doesn't tear easily in my hands and Ed takes it from me, ripping it with ease and hands it back.
"Need any help down there old buddy?" he asks.
"Naw. I want to do this myself."
His head nods in agreement.
It stays silent for a while as I kneel on the ground, stabbing my thumb in the dirt and dropping seeds in the holes. After what must be half an hour, I've planted more than a few adequate rows and I feel it's time for daisies.
"Hey Ed, could you push the pallet of flowers over here."
Still on the ground, I shamble around the perimeter of the dirt patch, planting a nice border of flowers for the yet to be sprouted garden. This takes less time than I expect, and I stand up with a few internal points of satisfaction. Ed and I stand there, hands on our hips admiring my hard work.
The seven foot stretch of dirt looks like a freshly covered grave.
"You happy?.." Ed asks me then stops, rethinks, and finishes, "...with the garden. Are you happy with it?
I feel exhausted, physically and mentally, but it does feel great to finally get it done.
"Yeah, it's what she always wanted. I guess it's time I went in and grabbed her."
I rub my hands against my jeans to brush the dirt away and walk inside.
Minutes later, back outside, Ed watches me with a tear in his eye. A tear in mine, I tip the heavy metal canister, and gently scatter Nancy's ashes over the garden she always wanted to have.
You're never too old for this.
User Reviews
Submitted by Crystle (user info) at 2006-05-31 14:27:36 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by RamJetMax (user info) at 2006-05-31 08:03:17 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by forthewin (user info) at 2006-05-31 01:30:34 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Wow, good job. I almost didn't read this. Glad I did.
Submitted by Bigmike (user info) at 2006-05-31 00:50:04 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by apollo88 (user info) at 2006-05-30 02:06:34 (#)
Ranking: 1
it's just me i know but i have a real problem with the whole 'tear in eye' thing.
i call it BigMike-itis.
Since I only check in occasionally now, I think you should probably just get over it.
This is nice mock.
Submitted by ghola (user info) at 2006-05-30 10:14:49 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
sorry i didn't rate this sooner. is really some of your better work.
survey says.
Submitted by firefly (user info) at 2006-05-30 10:11:03 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by phuzzygish (user info) at 2006-05-30 05:44:31 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by apollo88 (user info) at 2006-05-30 02:06:34 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
it's just me i know but i have a real problem with the whole 'tear in eye' thing.
i call it BigMike-itis.
Submitted by T_Bag (user info) at 2006-05-30 01:49:54 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
fertilizer?
Submitted by Doodles (user info) at 2006-05-29 22:08:28 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
And I fucking do it again. D'oh!
Submitted by Doodles (user info) at 2006-05-29 22:08:06 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Fucking hell man, I'm sorry. Here, I'll go castrate myself with a rusted butter knife and send you my testicles to make it up to you...
Submitted by mockidol (user info) at 2006-05-29 21:55:15 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
I'll forgive doodles. You did make this post what it is. I'm just glad you liked it this much. I do have better posts anyway...
Submitted by kaos-king (user info) at 2006-05-29 21:49:24 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Doodles, you bastard...
No dessert for you now!!! No pudding pops at all!!!
Submitted by Doodles (user info) at 2006-05-29 21:33:10 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
UCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK. FUCK.
Submitted by Doodles (user info) at 2006-05-29 21:32:20 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
needed.
Submitted by Doodles (user info) at 2006-05-29 21:32:11 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Just keeping the heat up, kind of.
Submitted by ilikesteak (user info) at 2006-05-29 20:47:04 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by mockidol (user info) at 2006-05-29 20:26:36 (#)
Ranking: 0
Doodles makes me feel special.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Doodles is "special."
Submitted by mockidol (user info) at 2006-05-29 20:26:36 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Doodles makes me feel special.
Submitted by Doodles (user info) at 2006-05-29 18:15:35 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
HEAT HEAT, HEAT HEAT HEAT, HEAT HEAT HEAT HEAT HEAT
Submitted by Doodles (user info) at 2006-05-29 18:14:47 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT, HEAT
Submitted by Doodles (user info) at 2006-05-29 18:14:20 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Heating up posts alone is boring.
Submitted by Doodles (user info) at 2006-05-29 18:13:50 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Just a wee bit more heat if I may?
Submitted by kaos-king (user info) at 2006-05-29 18:05:55 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand I wanna fist you...
Submitted by Ballare (user info) at 2006-05-29 17:43:09 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
*shrug*
Submitted by legallady (user info) at 2006-05-29 14:06:04 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
It is always a bunch of people camping.
And holiday weekend...needed to keep it
active.
Submitted by mockidol (user info) at 2006-05-29 10:54:38 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
i love a good killing, but that would have been even more predictable
Submitted by phauna (user info) at 2006-05-29 07:03:26 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
He should have went inside to kill her.
Submitted by Charlilot (user info) at 2006-05-29 02:51:13 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Thanks
Submitted by kaos-king (user info) at 2006-05-29 00:52:41 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I have 54 different people in my head...
Submitted by mockidol (user info) at 2006-05-29 00:38:20 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
I agree Stagger. I wish it was 54 different people.
Submitted by Stagger_Lee (user info) at 2006-05-28 23:06:46 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
My train of thought during an afternoon with this story and I:
Oh, cool, mockidol posted something...
...2 on 54!? It's about damn time!
(read story)
Yeah, that was wicked alright. Glad it got this much attention.
Aw, it was just a bunch of the same people camping.
Submitted by Lucylou (user info) at 2006-05-28 20:27:00 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Awesome.
Submitted by legallady (user info) at 2006-05-28 19:46:31 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by legallady (user info) at 2006-05-28 19:44:09 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
have another
Submitted by legallady (user info) at 2006-05-28 19:43:56 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I really like this...
we need to keep it going
til at least tuesday
when people get back to
work.
Submitted by georgemichael (user info) at 2006-05-28 19:39:29 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by mockidol (user info) at 2006-05-28 19:30:37 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
yes?
Submitted by kaos-king (user info) at 2006-05-28 13:48:38 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
yes
Submitted by Davros (user info) at 2006-05-28 13:34:51 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Good Shit.
-Dave
Submitted by mockidol (user info) at 2006-05-28 12:59:25 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
damn
Submitted by Bubba2341 (user info) at 2006-05-28 11:22:52 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by legallady (user info) at 2006-05-28 10:18:55 (#)
Ranking: 2
not so hard...
________________________________________________
Shlongy is older than you? You are still a child.
I'm 11 years older the The Shlong. . .
I read this post about six times, and it gets better each time. . .
Submitted by legallady (user info) at 2006-05-28 10:18:55 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
not so hard...
Submitted by legallady (user info) at 2006-05-28 10:18:45 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
so keep it up
Submitted by legallady (user info) at 2006-05-28 10:18:30 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
just not the first page
Submitted by legallady (user info) at 2006-05-28 10:18:17 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
on the list
Submitted by MandaPanda (user info) at 2006-05-28 01:54:09 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Good read.
Submitted by DonovanMD (user info) at 2006-05-28 01:22:36 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by mockidol (user info) at 2006-05-28 01:03:15 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
i have swamp ass
Submitted by Doodles (user info) at 2006-05-28 00:28:47 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Good I can rate it again.
Submitted by Doodles (user info) at 2006-05-28 00:28:17 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by wasabi (user info) at 2006-05-28 00:04:27 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Yarrrr
Submitted by legallady (user info) at 2006-05-27 23:55:23 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I figured it out as I read along...
but good story and realistic sounding.
Schlongy is older than me too.
But not by much.
Submitted by mockidol (user info) at 2006-05-27 23:38:18 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
The fact you felt like an old person wrote that means a lot since i'm only 23.
Submitted by Bubba2341 (user info) at 2006-05-27 23:24:34 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by legallady (user info) at 2006-05-27 23:22:44 (#)
Ranking: 2
why not...I actually thought
for a second someone older than
me was posting.
______________________________________
I'm your huckleberry, sweetie.
I'm older than you. . .
Submitted by legallady (user info) at 2006-05-27 23:23:44 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
one more and I will be back later.
Submitted by legallady (user info) at 2006-05-27 23:23:32 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
more...
Submitted by Bubba2341 (user info) at 2006-05-27 23:23:20 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Post camper, post camper
Camp on my post
Give me an egg
Lots of burnt toast
Give me a plus two
To to puff up my chest
'cause I am the very best.
Submitted by legallady (user info) at 2006-05-27 23:23:07 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
yep heated
Submitted by legallady (user info) at 2006-05-27 23:22:56 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
and another
Submitted by legallady (user info) at 2006-05-27 23:22:44 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
why not...I actually thought
for a second someone older than
me was posting.
Submitted by mockidol (user info) at 2006-05-27 23:12:27 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Damn, no one's ever camped on a post of mine before.
Scary.
Submitted by Doodles (user info) at 2006-05-27 23:10:45 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
9
Submitted by Doodles (user info) at 2006-05-27 23:10:37 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
8
Submitted by Doodles (user info) at 2006-05-27 23:10:27 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
7
Submitted by Doodles (user info) at 2006-05-27 23:10:21 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
6
Submitted by Doodles (user info) at 2006-05-27 23:10:12 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
5
Submitted by Doodles (user info) at 2006-05-27 23:10:02 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
4
Submitted by Doodles (user info) at 2006-05-27 23:09:53 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
3
Submitted by Doodles (user info) at 2006-05-27 23:09:45 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
2
Submitted by Doodles (user info) at 2006-05-27 23:09:38 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
1
Submitted by Doodles (user info) at 2006-05-27 23:09:29 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Houston, we have liftoff.
Submitted by mockidol (user info) at 2006-05-27 23:09:19 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
I'm a rapist?
Who told you?
Submitted by Doodles (user info) at 2006-05-27 23:09:01 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Shit I fucked up on the first one, let's start over.
Submitted by Doodles (user info) at 2006-05-27 23:08:34 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
10
Submitted by Doodles (user info) at 2006-05-27 23:08:15 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by mockidol (user info) at 2006-05-27 22:49:19 (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by Bubba2341 (user info) at 2006-05-27 21:45:55 (#)
Ranking: 2
I just reread this, and it was even better the second time. This
should be on heated and get +2s from the universe.
--------------------------------------------
I wish it would get that many reviews, but that isn't going to happen.
Thanks for the praise though
--- Anyone feel liek camping on this post for n hour or two? We could throw meaningless insults at eah other and heat this up, please don't leave me alone with him, he's a rapist..
Submitted by mockidol (user info) at 2006-05-27 22:49:19 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by Bubba2341 (user info) at 2006-05-27 21:45:55 (#)
Ranking: 2
I just reread this, and it was even better the second time. This
should be on heated and get +2s from the universe.
--------------------------------------------
I wish it would get that many reviews, but that isn't going to happen.
Thanks for the praise though.
Submitted by Bubba2341 (user info) at 2006-05-27 21:45:55 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I just reread this, and it was even better the second time. This
should be on heated and get +2s from the universe.
Submitted by Bubba2341 (user info) at 2006-05-27 21:38:38 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Fucking awesome!! Sometimes we put things off for way too long.
Submitted by mikethescottish (user info) at 2006-05-27 17:06:22 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Good post.
Submitted by JonnyX (user info) at 2006-05-27 16:18:07 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
It would have been better, if you said:
"I'm too old for this shit"
and had him bury Danny Glover.
Submitted by mockidol (user info) at 2006-05-27 15:28:03 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Well, thanks to the four who rated this.
Submitted by toni_tori (user info) at 2006-05-27 01:10:16 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
No comment needed.
Submitted by kaos-king (user info) at 2006-05-27 00:05:00 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by Blinkish (user info) at 2006-05-26 23:09:14 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Still sad the second time.
Submitted by Crayon (user info) at 2006-05-26 23:03:54 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment